For Immediate Release
February 7, 2007

WWII Submarine returns home to Pier 45 "groomed and clean-shaven."
Saturday, February 10 to be proclaimed USS Pampanito Day by Mayor Gavin Newsom; plus Proclamation presentation by Aaron Peskin, President, Board of Supervisors. Free tour of submarine Saturday, February 10 only.

San Francisco, Calif. Friday, February 9th, at 6am, the West Coast's only authentic World War II submarine, USS Pampanito, arrives back at San Francisco's Pier 45 after extensive refurbishing and restoration.

"Workers at Bay Ship & Yacht in Alameda put in many skilled and talented hours to restore the submarine to its 1945 luster," says Aaron Washington, the Pampanito's manager. "Periodic dry-docking counters the constant exposure to sea water and salt air, allowing this national landmark to continue giving the whole family a realistic submarine experience. We do this every seven years to preserve the boat so that it's here for future generations to enjoy."

Eamon O'Byrne, Executive Director of the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association (the organization that preserves and operates the submarine), adds: "We couldn't have completed this extraordinary refurbishing project without the tremendous effort of numerous volunteers. They gave - and continue to give - invaluable resources and time, which helps keep this floating museum viable for all to enjoy."

Capture the majesty of the return and the "nudging" of the submarine, as the tug boats carefully maneuver the boat into position at Pier 45. To round out your story: historic photos, original artwork, oral histories and letters from the period during which the Pampanito was active in the Pacific; plus interviews with submarine vets, boat crew, maritime historian/curator and Association officers; also see the Pampanito Fact Sheet and https://maritime.org.

TIMELINE FOR STORY AND PHOTO/VIDEO OPPORTUNITIES

[Friday, February 9th, 3am] Submarine is towed from Bay Ship & Yacht, Alameda
[Friday, February 9th, 6am] Arrives at Pier 45
Saturday, Feb 10 Free tour of submarine, one day only 9am to 5pm
5pm Proclamation of USS Pampanito Day by Mayor Gavin Newsom
(by invitation only) Proclamation presented by Aaron Peskin, President, San Francisco Board of Supervisors
WHERE: Pier 45, Taylor and Jefferson Streets, Fisherman's Wharf
PUBLIC INFO: 415-775-1943; https://maritime.org
CONTACT: Contact us via email.

ABOUT THE SUBMARINE USS PAMPANITO
Amazing! Thrilling! Authentic! describes the USS Pampanito. This submarine is a World War II Balao class fleet boat that survived six war patrols in the Pacific, and performed a dramatic at-sea rescue of 73 prisoners of war. Now permanently docked at San Francisco's Pier 45 at Fisherman's Wharf, the Pampanito is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors from the City and around the world, get the experience of a lifetime by going down into the boat and seeing how the crew of 80 men lived in a miniature-like world for up to 75 days at a time.

ABOUT THE SAN FRANCISCO MARITIME NATIONAL PARK ASSOCIATION
The San Francisco Maritime National Park Association (SFMNPA), has been bringing maritime history to life for more than 50 years. A community-based non-profit organization with thousands of members, SFMNPA supports the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park -- the nation's only floating National Park at Hyde Street Pier. SFMNPA presents public education programs about the City's maritime heritage and preserves and operates the USS Pampanito submarine.

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For more information:
Director, SFMNPA
(415) 561-6662

https://maritime.org
Pampanito Home Page
Pampanito Fact Sheet.

 

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